Printing press ink suppression apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for suppressing ink mist in and around printing presses, reducing the risk of fire and waste of ink.

United States Patent [191 Underwood et a1. 9

PRINTING PRESS INK SUPPRESSION APPARATUS Inventors: Jereld L. Underwood; Floyd D.

Edmoundson; Milton M. Dolezal, all of Houston, Tex.

Assignee: Houston Chronicle Publishing Company, Houston, Tex.

Filed: Apr. 25, 1973 Appl. No.: 354,444

Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser. No. 230,776, March 1, 1972, abandoned.

us. C1. 101/349 1nt.Cl ..B41f3l/26 Field of Search 101/348-352,

[451' Aug. 13, 1974 I [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 2,548,631 4/1951 Stapleton 310/247 3,011,435 12/1961 Jones et a1... 101/350 3,316,879 5/1967 Washburn.... 101/349 UX 3,323,794 6/1967 Brandt 271/51 3,477,369 11/1969 Adamson et a1 101/153 3,515,064 6/1970 Ulier 101/349 3,672,298 6/1972 Reifu Q. 101/350 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 7/1969 Great Britain 101/153 Primary Examiner-J. Reed Fisher Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Prave1,.Wi1son & Matthews ABSTRACT The present invention provides a new and improved method and apparatus for suppressing ink' mist in and around printing presses, reducing the risk of fire and waste of ink,

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PAIENTEB Ana 1 3 m4 SHEET 1 OF 2 Am 3% I 4 PRINTING PRESS INK SUPPRESSION APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 230,776, filed Mar. 1, I972, copending herewith, and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for suppressing ink mist in and around printing presses.

2. Description of Prior Art In printing presses, such as the web fed type used to print newspapers, a filament of ink bubbles was formed at the nip, as the junction between contacting surfaces on counter-rotating rollers in presses was known. As the surfaces moved away from each other during movement of the rollers, the ink filament stretched and then ruptured, forming 'a fine mist of ink near the rollers. The ink mist was undesirable for several reasons: from an economic standpoint, ink was wasted; from a pollution; health and cleanliness standpoint, the ink mist was undesirable; and from a safety standpoint, the fine mist of ink presented a fire and explosion hazard when exposed to sparks. v

The prior art has attempted to suppress the ink mist by using electrified conductorsknown as corona wires. The corona wires were small diameter wires energized to a very high voltage, such asv 15,000 volts D. C. The corona wires were mounted under tension between sides of the printing press frame very close to the outside surface of the rollers at the nip. The corona wires would often break under tension, and the high voltage present in the wires presented a risk of sparks and areing, which in'the presence of the ink mist represented a substantial fire hazard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION and a journal insulates and mounts the ends of the roller with an insulating cap in a socket in the frame of the printing press. A ball bearing or other-suitable means is mounted between the cap and journal to permit relative rotational movement between the roller and the printing press.

A conductive plug is mounted in the inking roller to receive electrical energy from an electrical contact mounted in a socket in the cap. A conduit is formed in the cap for passage of an electrical conductor from the power supply to the contact. The contact includes a carbon contact plunger for long wear and a spring or other resilient means for urging the brush into connection with the conductive plug in the inking roller.

The power supply includes a transformer for each inking roller in the printing press so that a failure ofone transformer does not interfere with electrification of other inking rollers. Fuses and indicators are provided to protect against power surges in the power supply,

and indicate the fuse which has operated to protect the transformer in' the power supply.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ink suppression method and apparatus for a printing press.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the drawings, the letter A designates generally the apparatus of the present invention for suppressing ink mist formed by inking rollers in a printing press, such as the web fed type used to print newspapers.

The apparatus A includes a cylindrical metal roller R mounted by spindles 16 at ends 12 with sockets S of a frame of a printing press. A'ball bearing B or othersuitable means for'permitting relative rotational movement is mounted between the roller R and the sockets S at each spindle 16. It should be understood that the apparatus A of the present invention is intended for and is suitable for use in numerous types of printing presses.

The inking roller R is electrified by electrical energy furnished from a power supply P (FIG. 5) through a connector C (FIG. 3), in a manner to be set forth hereinbelow, in order to attract the ink mist, formed at the nips between inking rollers R in the printing press. Insulating structure I insulates the electrified rotating inking roller R from the stationary sockets Sof the printing press in order to prevent arcing and groundingof the electrical energy present on the electrical roller R.

A vulcanized rubber coating 10 is mounted along a central portion of a cylindrical external surface 11 of the roller R, as is known in the art. Ink for the printing press is moved from the inking founts in the printing press to the printing apparatus in the press by being moved along the inking rollers R as is known in the art. The ink is moved by the vulcanized rubber coating 10 and is applied on an external cylindrical surface of the rubber coating 10.

End portions 12 at each end of the inking roller R do not have a rubber coating 10 applied thereto. A cylindrical insulating sleeve 14, made from a suitable synthetic resin, is mounted with each end 12 of the roller. The insulating sleeve 14 insulates the end portions 12 of the inking roller R from the socket S and the printing press in order to prevent arcing and electrical discharge of the electrical energy on the electrified inking roller R.

The spindle 16 is formed extending outwardly from an end surface 17 of each end of the cylindrical roller R. The spindles 16 are mounted within the insulating structure I to support the rollers R with respect to the sockets S of the printing press. A socket is formed adjacent a cylindrical sidewall 18 and a circular end wall socket 21 is formed extending inwardly into the spindle 16 from the end wall 20 thereof. A threaded conductive plug 23 of brass or other suitable conductive material is mounted in the threaded socket 21 in the spindle l6. Notches 24 (FIG. 3) are formed adjacent surfaces 23a on the plug 23 in order to permit insertion, removal and adjustment of the plug 23 from the socket 21. The plug 23 is thus mounted with the inking roller R and moved therewith. The plug 23 receives electrical current from the connector C (FIG. 3) and permits such current to pass to the inking roller R and electrify same. The electrified inking roller R thus attracts the ink mist formed during the operation of the printing press to the external surface a of the vulcanized rubber coating 10, suppressing the ink mist.

An insulating journal 26 of the insulating structure I is mounted with each of the spindles 16 to insulate the spindles 16 from the socket S of the printing press. The journal 26 is made of a suitable synthetic resin and is mounted on the spindle 16 and enclosed within an end portion 14a of the insulating sleeve 14 at each end of the inking roller R.

A notch 27 is formed adjacent a recessed cylindrical wall surface 26a in the journal 26. The notch 27 permits the journal 26 to be grasped during removal and insertion of the journal 26 with respect to the roller R. A surface 28 is formed by removal of a portion of a cylindrical lip- 26b of the journal 26 adjacent to the notch 27. The surfaces 28 provide a space for passage of a grasping means to remove the ball bearing B from the journal 26 during assembly and disassembly of the apparatus A.

A lip 26c (FIG. 1) is formed on the journal 26.for spacing the ball bearing B at each end of the inking roller R. AN opening or aperture is formed in the journal 26 adjacent a surface 26d (FIG. 1) in one of the journals 26 at one end of the inking roller R, called the live end. The opening adjacent to surface 26d permits passage th'erethrough of the connector C (FIG. 3) in order that electrical energy to electrify the inking roller R may be provided. No opening is formed in the journal 26 at the end opposite the live end, in order to prevent a ground for the inking roller R.

A cap 30 of theinsulating structure I is mounted in the socket S at the live end of the inking roller R. The cap 30 insulates an electrical conductor 32 and the connector C from the socket S to prevent the electrical energy being-furnished to the plug 23 and inking roller R from passing to the socket S.

A conduit 33 is formed extending radially inwardly into the cap 30 (FIG. 2) in order to permit passage of the electrical conductor 32 therethrough. A conductive cup or receptacle 34 is inserted in the conduit 33 and receives an end 32a of the electrical conductor 32. A passage 35 is formed through the socket S to permit passage therethrough of the conductor 32.

A pin or plug 36 (FIG. 2) is mounted with the cap 30 and engages in a slot (not shown) formed in the socket S to insure that the passage 35 and conduit 33 in the cap 30 are aligned (FIG. 2) in order that the conductor 32 may be inserted through the socket S into the cap 30.

A rim 30b is formed on the cap 30 (FIG. I) to engage the ball bearing B which permits relative rotational movement between the cap 30 and the journal 26. A socket is formed in the cap 30 adjacent a surface 30c to provide a clearance and prevent contact between the rotating insulating journal 26 and the stationary cap 30.

An insulating bushing 37 of suitable synthetic resin is mounted between a cylindrical surface 30d and the side wall 17 for further insulation. A central socket is formed in the cap 30 adjacent the cylindrical surface 30d in order to receive -a contact 38 of the connector C (FIG. 3). The contact 38 has a threaded external surface 38a formed thereon to mount the contact 38 in the central socket of the cap 30. Notches 39 are formed in an end of the contact 38 to receive an inserting tool in order thatthe contact 38 may be inserted and removed from the socket formed adjacent the surface 30d in the cap' 30. When the contact 38 is inserted in the socket in the cap 30, the metallic cup 34 is held in place within thecap 30 by engagement with an end 38b of the contact 38. The contact 38 is electrically conductive and preferably metallic, and thus is in electrical connection with the conductor 32 at the end 32a thereof through the metallic cup 34.

The contact 38 has mounted therein a carbon plunger 40 (FIG. 3). The plunger 40.is mounted with a base member 41 in an interior space,38c formed in the contact 38. A spring 42 is mounted between the base 41 and the end wall 38s of the contact 38. The spring 42 resiliently urges the carbon plunger 40 into contact with an end surface 23b of the conductor plug 23 mounted with the inking roller R (FIG. 3). The resilient spring 42 urges the plunger 40 into firm contact with the surface 231) and assures firm electrical connection between the connector C and the plug 23. The carbon plunger 40 further exhibits long service life and resists wear.

The power supply P (FIG. 5) of the present invention, furnishes electrical energy in the form of altemating current to electrify the inking rollers R in order that the ink mist formed bythe moving inking rollers R is suppressed.

The power supply P is energized by incoming powerv from three phase power mains, 40, 41 and 42, through a transformer 43. It should be understood, however, that other suitable sources of alternating current electrical power could be used in placeof the .three phase power mains 40, 41 and 42, if desired. The power supply P is connected between two'conductors 45 and 46 to the transformer 43. Fuses 47 are connected with each of the conductors on each side of the transformer 43, as is conventional in the art for overload protection purposes.

For safety purposes, an interlock switch having contacts 49a, 49b and 49c is included within the power supply, P. When a repairman is working with the power supply P, the interlock is actuated, moving the contacts 49a, 49b and 490 to the position shown in the drawings, preventing the remainder of the power supply P from receiving electrical power from the conductors 45 and 46. In this manner, the risk of injury or harm to personnel repairing the power supply P is reduced.

The power supply P includes a control circuit 50 and a plurality of voltage increaser or step-up circuits with each circuit 60 furnishing power to a single inking roller R. The power is furnished in order that the inking roller R may be electrified and suppress the ink mist formed during the operation of the printing press.

With each of the inking rollers R having a voltage step-up circuit 60 individually connected therewith, a

, malfunction of one of the individual voltage step-up circuits 60 does not'prevent electrifying of the remaining plurality of inking rollers R. With the inking rollers arrangement in the printing press with which the presfour inking rollers for-colored ink used in the printing press. It should be understood that the number of stepup circuits 60 and their grouping is accordingly determined by thenumberand grouping of inking rollers used in the printing press with which the present invention is used.

Considering the control circuit 50 more in detail, a protective fuse 51 is electrically connected to protect the control circuit 50 fromfe'xcess currentQA speed switch 52, for example a Euclid Electric Model 312C controls the application of electrical power to the remainder of the control circuit 50. The speed switch 52 closes in response to the rotational speed of the inking rollers R in the printingpress reaching a level at which the inkmist is formed due to rotation of the rollers. An example speed is 15,000 rpm. For purposes of testing the electrical circuits in the power supply P for continuity when the printing presses are not operating, a bypass switch 53 is provided. The bypass switch 53 may be depressed in order to furnish electrical power to the remainder of the controlcircuit 50 when the switch 52 is open. a

The control circuit 50 includes a plurality of operating circuits 55 -of like number to the number of banks of inking rollers inthe printing press. ln the embodiment shown, three control circuits 55 are shown, one for each of the three groups of inking rollers in the printing press. Each of the operating circuits. 55 includes an on-off switch 56 which controls the application of electrical power to a relay 57 and associated indicator light 58. The indicator light 58 is illuminated by electrical energy flowing through the closed switch 56 which further energizes the relay 57. When the relay 57 is receiving power, a contact 57a thereof is-given to a closed position, permitting a bank of step-up circuits 60 to receive electrical power to connection between the conductors 45 and 46 in the power supply P.

When the operating switch 56 is in the off position, the relay 57 associated therewith is not energized and the contact 57a thereof is open, preventing the bank of step-up circuit 60 associated therewith from receiving operating power.

Considering the step-up circuit 60 more in detail, each includes a fuse 61 for limiting the flow of current therethrough to protect against current surges and consequently reduce the risk of arcing, sparks and the like in the printing press with which the present invention is used. An indicator light 61a is associated with each of the fuses 61 and'receives electrical current when the fuse 61 operates and opens in response to receipt of a current surge. Thus, the indicator lamps 61a indicate the operation of a particular fuse 61 in the power supply P for fault location and repair purposes.

The step-up circuits further include a voltage step-up transformer 62 whose primary coil 62a is electrically connected to the fuse 61 associated in step-up circuit 60.

Each of the transformers 62 has a secondary coil 62b therewith. The secondary coil 62b is inductively coupled with the primary coil 62a and has a suitable number of turns in such coil to step-up or increase the voltage present at the output of the secondary coil 62b to a desired level to attract the ink mist to the electrified inking rollers R. a suitable level, for example. is 10,000 volts RMS.

' The secondary coil 62b is electrically connected between a ground,as indicated in the drawings, and the conductor 32. The conductor 32, as has been previously set forth,'furnishes the electrical energy which is provided by the power supply P to the connector C 'in order that the rollers R in the printing press may. be supplied with electrical energy and electrified. The electrical energy from the power supply P supplied to the inking rollers R by the connector C electrifies the inking rollers R and attracts and suppresses the ink mist formed by the moving inking rollers during operation of the printing press.

in the operation of the present invention, the printing presses are started when it is desired to begin printing operations. When the inking rollers assume a desired rotational speed, the feed switch 52 closes, and the operator of the printing press depresses the operating button 56 in order to permit the flow of current to the relay 57. The relay 57, upon receiving the current, closes the contacts 57a and permits the step-up transformers 62 in the power supply P to receive operating power from the conductors 45 and 46.

The step-up transformers increase the voltage of the powerfumished by the conductors 45 and 46 to the desired level'and provide such electrical power over the conductor 32 to the connector C. The connector C is mounted with the insulating cap 30 and the socket with the printing. press and is consequently stationary with respect thereto. The electrical energy from the conductor 32 is insulated from the ground in the socket S of the printing press by theinsulating cap 30, as has been previously set forth. The contact 38 is in electrical connection with the end 320 of theconductor 32 mounted in the conductor cup 34. The carbon plunger 40 in contact 38 consequently furnishes the electrical energy from the conductor 32 to the conductor plug 23.

The conductor plug 23, as has been previously set forth, is mounted with the inking roller R and consequently rotates therewith. The contact between the moving conductor plug 23 and the carbon plunger 40 does not inhibit the transfer of electrical energy therebetween, due to the wearing action of the carbon plunger 40 and the rotating metallic plug 23. Spring 42 urges plunger 40 into firm engagement with the metallic plug 23. The rotating metallic plug 23 furnishes the electrical energy from the carbon plunger 40 and the remainder of the connector C to the inking roller R. The electrical energy so received electrifies the inking roller R and causes such inking roller R to attract the ink mist formed by the rotating inking roller R during operation of the printing press. The insulating journal 26 and the insulating sleeve 14 insulate the rotating inking roller R from the ball bearing B and the socket S at each end of the inking roller R and prevent arcing and sparking and consequent danger of fire and explosron.

Theforegoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, materials, components, circuit elements, wiring connections and contacts as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and construction may be made without-departing from the spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for suppressing ink mistin a printing press, comprising: 7

a. an electrically conductive inking roller having an outwardly extending spindle at an end portion thereof, said spindle having a socket formed extending inwardly adjacent a side wall and an end wall formed therein;

b. an electrically insulating bushing mounted adjacent said side wall in said socket in said spindle;

c. an electrically insulating journal mounted externally of said spindle, said electrically insulating journal having an opening formed therein adjacent said socket in said spindle, said insulating journal further having a rim adjacent said opening for retaining said electrically insulating bushing in said socket in said spindle;

d. means for supplying electrical energy to electrify said inking roller, wherein the electrified inking roller attracts and suppresses the ink mist; and

e. an electrically insulating cap mounted with the printing press, said electrically insulating cap insulating said means for supplying electrical energy from the printing press, said electrically insulating cap having a portion extending inwardly through said opening in said electrically insulating journal, said inwardly extending portion having an external surface adjacent said electrically insulating bushing in said spindle.

2. The structure of claim 1, further including:

an electrically conductive plug mounted in said end wall in said socket in said spindle to receive electrical energy from said means for supplying electrical energy.

3. The structure of claim 2, wherein said means for supplying electrical energy comprises:

a. an electrical power supply;

b. an electrical conductor connected with said electrical power supply;

c. a contact mounted in said inwardly extending portion of said electrically insulating cap, said contact being in electrical connection with said electrical conductor; and

d; aplunger mounted in said contact and electrically connecting said electrical conductor with said electrically conductive plug.

4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the printing press is equipped with a plurality of inking rollers and wherein said electrical power supply comprises:

a. an alternating current voltage source; and

b. a plurality of transformers, each individually connected to one of said plurality of rollers, wherein a malfunction of one of said plurality of transformers does not prevent electrifying of the remainder of said plurality of rollers. 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein:

' a.-said electrically conductive inking roller further comprises a metal body having a vulcanized rubber coating along a portion of an outer surface thereof and uncovered end portions of said outer surface; and

b. sleeve means for electrically insulating said end portions of said inking roller from the printing press. 

1. An apparatus for suppressing ink mist in a printing press, comprising: a. an electrically conductive inking roller having an outwardly extending spindle at an end portion thereof, said spindle having a socket formed extending inwardly adjacent a side wall and an end wall formed therein; b. an electrically insulating bushing mounted adjacent said side wall in said socket in said spindle; c. an electrically insulating journal mounted externally of said spindle, said electrically insulating journal having an opening formed therein adjacent said socket in said spindle, said insulating journal further having a rim adjacent said opening for retaining said electrically insulating bushing in said socket in said spindle; d. means for supplying electrical energy to electrify said inking roller, wherein the electrified inking roller attracts and suppresses the ink mist; and e. an electrically insulating cap mounted with the printing press, said electrically insulating cap insulating said means for supplying electrical energy from the printing press, said electrically insulating cap having a portion extending inwardly through said opening in said electrically insulating journal, said inwardly extending portion having an external surface adjacent said electrically insulating bushing in said spindle.
 2. The structure of claim 1, further including: an electrically conductive plug mounted in said end wall in said socket in said spindle to receive electrical energy from said means for supplying electrical energy.
 3. The structure of claim 2, wherein said means for supplying electrical energy comprises: a. an electrical power supply; b. an electrical conductor connected with said electrical power supply; c. a contact mounted in said inwardly extending portion of said electrically insulating Cap, said contact being in electrical connection with said electrical conductor; and d. a plunger mounted in said contact and electrically connecting said electrical conductor with said electrically conductive plug.
 4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the printing press is equipped with a plurality of inking rollers and wherein said electrical power supply comprises: a. an alternating current voltage source; and b. a plurality of transformers, each individually connected to one of said plurality of rollers, wherein a malfunction of one of said plurality of transformers does not prevent electrifying of the remainder of said plurality of rollers.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein: a. said electrically conductive inking roller further comprises a metal body having a vulcanized rubber coating along a portion of an outer surface thereof and uncovered end portions of said outer surface; and b. sleeve means for electrically insulating said end portions of said inking roller from the printing press. 